During the April board meeting, Ned Curran was elected as the new chairman. Ferrell Blount will serve as vice chair.

Nineteen men and women from across the state make up the N.C. Board of Transportation and work with NCDOT staff members to make decisions about transportation priorities.

Transportation Secretary Tony Tata welcomed the new board members at the start of the meeting.

"Everything we do is about connecting people with greater opportunities," Tata said. "As board members, you will play an important role in helping shape a better way of life for all North Carolinians and I am looking forward to working with you in that process."

Tata also thanked outgoing board chairman Bob Collier for his service. Curran presented Collier with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award on behalf of Gov. Pat McCrory. Collier joined the board in March of 2004 and has served as chairman since January 2010.